I think it's almost 100% certainty that the bruises were from Edward. Even if Jacob had bruised her at the wedding it would be nothing to the bruises covering Bella after the first night of the honeymoon. Jacob bruises or not, Edward would still be tormented by what happened.

This particular aspect of the saga is one that is brought up time and again by critics. They are disturbed by the fact that Bella gets bruised and then just brushes it off as if nothing had happened. How do/would you respond to such criticism?

My own reaction was kind of horrified, kind of thinking like it was "too far". But I suppose it was realistic. It's just not possible for a human and vampire to mate without the human coming out damaged somehow. The first time anyway. And I know Edward was horrified so it's not like a "he's abusive" charge. Haha...that's the last thing Edward is! I think I was more bothered by Bella's reaction, like it really was no big deal. I mean, granted, I've never had Edward so maybe I'd react exactly like Bella, but I know in a normal situation I'd be absolutely horrified. I suppose I wish Bella had taken it a bit more seriously. Like "Geez, I better be more cautious about this next time..." and not so casually dismissed it.

"Your hold is permanent and unbreakable. Never doubt that." ECMy avatar is from emaleth@vesperarium!

Cymbrelynn wrote:My own reaction was kind of horrified, kind of thinking like it was "too far". But I suppose it was realistic. It's just not possible for a human and vampire to mate without the human coming out damaged somehow. The first time anyway. And I know Edward was horrified so it's not like a "he's abusive" charge. Haha...that's the last thing Edward is! I think I was more bothered by Bella's reaction, like it really was no big deal. I mean, granted, I've never had Edward so maybe I'd react exactly like Bella, but I know in a normal situation I'd be absolutely horrified. I suppose I wish Bella had taken it a bit more seriously. Like "Geez, I better be more cautious about this next time..." and not so casually dismissed it.

Yes, but she dismissed it because she had felt none of the pain behind it. She couldn't understand where they came from because all she felt was the pleasure. She remembered Edward holding her tight but at the time it was exactly what she wanted him to do.

Her pleasure sensors far outweighed her pain sensors, enabling the bruises. SO, why should she feel badly or "horrified" by bruises she didn't even know were there until they were brought to her attention by her loving, adorable, sexy and over-protective husband who put them there? I would have laughed too if it came from that source, cuz I knew that no malice was involved.

I am sure that the bruises where from Edward, because if they were from Jacob, Bella would have noticed in the shower. Or Edward would have noticed at some point, because he has good sight, so he wouldn't have missed it.

duh bella got bruises!!!! they werent given to her in a malicious way so i dont see the problem with them. it is realistic. and she finally got what she had been waiting sooo long for and to her it was perfect she had no reason to complain and when she did notice them she DEFF. didnt want edward to feel any worse so no way she would say anything. Also, steph said she had to tone it down when it was dubbed a "teen" book so who knows what really happened. and for all the critics of their "desperate need for sex" THEY ARE TEENAGERS!! name some who dont have raging hormones!!!!!

The thought that Jacob may have given Bella the bruises never crossed my mind. It is an interesting thought, however I do believe the bruises were the result of the night before with Edward. Nothing more